DISSERTATION STRUCTURE:
Introduction (around 1000-1500 words):
State clearly the importance of your project, preferably backed up by some references; research problem (why you choose to study and address the topic), contributions, main research objective and question. Please do not let the reader wait till the Methodology chapter to know exactly the aims of your project.
Literature review (around 3000 words):
It is important to develop a coherent and analytical argument with a good flow, rather than just giving a list of theories. The literature can be categorised under themes and must be related to your own research questions/objectives. You can use present tense to write LR. Generally, you should include 30-50 up-to-date quality references (e.g. academic journal articles).
Methodology (around 1500 words):
Justify your choice of methods, rather than just giving the definitions of research philosophy. It is important to explain the conceptual framework that you have applied.
Also explain exactly how you carried out the research, i.e. (1) how did you design and administrate the interview questions or questionnaire, (2) what is your sampling method; (3) how did you collect the data and analyze the data, (4) how did you ensure and evaluate the quality of your research (e.g. you can use Lincoln and Guba’s criteria for a qualitative study); (5) ethical consideration and (6) limitations.
Findings and data analysis (around 2500 words):
The presentation of findings and analysis may be slightly different between a quantitative and qualitative project. For a quantitative study, you can present the findings first and then move on to the data analysis chapter. For a qualitative study, you can integrate findings and analysis. Importantly, please crystallize the data under some themes. Also, you should use some excerpts from interviews as evidence to support the analysis. Please do not forget to link the analysis with the literature you have reviewed. In an excellent dissertation, students develop their own theoretical framework, based on the findings and analysis.
Conclusions and recommendations (around 1500 words):
Relate the recommendations to your own findings. In a good dissertation, students generally give rather specific details on implementation plan, e.g. what the programme is about, budget and costs, outcomes, etc.
